My Account

Why is organic produce so much better for you?

It may not look as shiny and the skin may not be perfect, but the nutritional value and the absence of sprays and hormones, means organic fruit and vegetables are much better for us and for the planet.

Understanding how and why that is, gives us a broader food based knowledge that can help our overall health and wellbeing.

Why organic?

Up until the 1940's there was no need or use for terminology like “certified organic” or “spray free”. Food was just “food”. The way our grandparents enjoyed it.

However with intensive agriculture came the introduction of chemicals into our food chain, along with the unavoidable side-affect of depleted nutrients in the soil.

If eating toxin free, nutrient dense food is important to you then you may have to be a little discerning when it comes to the products you choose.

Over the last four years specifically, the demand for organic food has increased dramatically, showing a clear trend and a developing awareness among consumers – those who gravitate toward a toxin free and nutrient rich approach to nourishment.

Scientific research from Newcastle University has shown that organic vegetables contain 60% more antioxidants than their conventional counterparts. This antioxidant power alone is enough to counter the initial 10-20% more that you pay for organic produce.

Mathematically it all works out.

The benefits of organic produce - what is it that makes it so good?

Organic produce contains no toxic pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals like herbicides, and insecticides which are widely used in conventional agriculture and despite efforts to remove them from food before sale, residues remain on (and in) the food – the food that we later eat.

Organic food is often fresher and tastes better

This is a simple and easy to understand benefit because quite simply, fresh food tastes better and organic food is typically fresher because it doesn’t contain preservatives which are designed to extend shelf life.

Organic farming is better for the environment

No pesticides means that organic farming practices reduce pollution as applied to the air, water quality and soil quality. Because of the holistic approach to production, organic methods tend to lead to water conservation, reduced soil erosion, increased soil fertility, and energy conservation.

Organic food is GE-free

Genetically engineered (GE) foods are plants or animals whose DNA has been altered in ways that do not occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. In New Zealand, organic crops are GE free and organic meat comes from animals raised on organic, GE-free feed.

Organic produce is higher in antioxidants

Results of studies around the world have confirmed the belief that organic foods deliver more beneficial nutrients, like antioxidants, than their conventionally grown counterparts.

Allergies are positively impacted by organic production

People with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives find their symptoms diminish or disappear when they eat an organic only diet.

Buy local, think global

This is a great saying, for the very fact that it encourages local produce to be produced and consumed and Artisan producers love to speak of the benefits of their geographic area of production, with temperate climate, lush pasture and fruitful orchards.

Hearing what producers have to say about their process can be enlightening – some small local farmers may use organic methods, but cannot afford the financial cost associated with becoming certified organic.

Only by hearing their stories can we truly understand the process.

This is where Edesia is able to lend a hand. We use our discretionary power to select only the best range of New Zealand foods and produce. We carefully check the companies and products we represent and as such our suppliers are grateful of the selective approach and endorsements we apply.

In that same vein, our end customers can rely on the integrity that has gone into what and who we recommend.

Genuinely concerned for people’s health and wellbeing we seek suppliers and products that are produced locally or regionally here in New Zealand, with the added selective approach that further takes into account the environment - with ecologically sound suppliers and packaging wherever possible.

While we have gone through the reasons why organic is best, we do recognise that any approach to chemical-free production is beneficial, even in cases where the producer is not organic certified.

This does not diminish their quality or associated health benefits.

Our philosophy here is to give you the best selection possible and the option to choose how best to enhance your own health and wellbeing through the foods you choose to consume.